Based upon evidence that peer rejection is a marker variable asociated with maladaptive social-emotional development and the risk of later maladjustment, psychologists have focused both on understanding the factors contributing to peer rejection and on preventive interventions designed to remediate social adjustment problems evident in grade school. During the last decade, a number of studies have tested the effectiveness of school-based social skill training programs designed to promote positive peer relationships and peer acceptance. Social skills training is a generic label for short-term structured interventions that use instructions and demonstrations, behavioral rehearsal, and performance feedback to teach children specific positive social interaction strategies. Although this technique has been used successfully for unpopular children, it may also be a beneficial treatment for rejected children who show high levels of aggressive or negative social behavior. Studies have shown that social skills training improves the behavioral characteristics of unpopular or rejected children. (ABL)